areas). However, in many areas of southwestern Montana the presence of the bear is 

 acceptable if appropriate programs are in place. That is the intent and direction of this 

 plan. 



Opposition to "planting bears": The plan provides for relocations of bears within the 

 ecosystem for management purposes and for potential future relocations if projected 

 distribution increases do not occur. It also provides for live removal and relocation of 

 bears to other ecosystems or states if such opportunities become available. No 

 relocations to increase distribution or to other ecosystems or states will occur without 

 completing the appropriate public processes and extensive local involvement. 



Risks/Liability from Bears: There was a question raised on who is liable if a bear 

 mauls or kills a person or for any damage done by bears. Grizzly bears inhabit 

 southwestern Montana. As such, the risks associated with them already exist. It is 

 FWP's intent that the programs recommended will keep any risks at manageable levels. 

 If and when court cases are pursued as a result of conflicts with bears the liability, if 

 any, will be determined by the courts. 



Hunting Endangers Lives of Humans as Well as Bears: People who would 

 knowingly choose to hunt grizzlies assume those risks voluntarily. For other people in 

 the field, FWP has many programs -- such as its hunter safety classes - to minimize 

 risks to other humans through understanding and awareness education. Hunting as 

 conducted in Montana is a safe activity, and FWP continues its years of work to make it 

 more so. 



Need Fewer Bears in Montana Because There are People Here and Their Needs 

 are Increasing: Based on current information as presented in the plan, Montana can 

 expect numbers of both people and bears to continue to increase into the foreseeable 

 future. This makes a management program necessary in assuring coexistence. 



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